"Your Voice, Your Vote": Loud Light Fellow Paden Phar on Igniting Youth Turnout at K-State
- Cadence Brier
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, the push for civic engagement is hitting the K-State campus with renewed energy. In an exclusive interview on Wildcat 91.9, host Cadence Brier sat down with Paden Phar, a Political Science student and Loud Light Fellow, to discuss the vital work of youth voter registration and the upcoming Kansas Voter Registration Day on April 21st.
What is the Loud Light Fellowship?
Loud Light is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing youth voter turnout across Kansas. The fellowship places student leaders at major institutions—including K-State, KU, Wichita State, and JCCC—to register voters and engage their local communities through canvassing and tabling.
"The main thing is working on college students and youth voter turnout," Phar explained. "Nationwide, turnout for 18-to-24-year-olds was only about 27% in 2022. We want those numbers to be significantly higher."
Breaking Down the Barriers
Despite the ease of registration—which Phar notes takes only five to ten minutes—many students remain on the sidelines. Phar identified three primary reasons for low engagement:
Lack of Representation: Many feel candidates don't speak to their specific views.
Time Constraints: College life is busy, and getting to the polls requires a conscious commitment.
Restrictive Legislation: Recent Kansas House Bills (such as HB 2437 and 2438) have introduced new hurdles for online registration and mail-in ballots.
"It’s not just about being registered," Phar said. "At K-State, we have a high registration rate, but the challenge is getting those students to actually show up at the polls on election day."
Local Elections: Where Your Potholes Get Fixed
To convince skeptical students, Phar focuses on the immediate impact of local government. From housing costs and rent to the notorious potholes on Manhattan roads, these issues are decided by the City Commission.
"The local elections are sometimes decided by single-digit votes," Phar emphasized. "You and your group of friends going out to vote can literally swing an election."
Mark Your Calendars: April 21st
The next big push for campus engagement is Kansas Voter Registration Day on April 21st. Loud Light, along with the League of Women Voters and the ICDD, will be out in full force.
● Where: The K-State Student Union.
● What: Tabling all day with QR codes for instant registration, polling location info, and free giveaways.
● The Goal: To provide a one-stop shop for students to get registered and informed before the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Public Service
For Phar, the fellowship was more than just an internship; it sparked a major career shift from business to political science. Now eyeing law school and an eventual run for the Kansas State House, Phar encourages other students to find their passion through the program.
"If you don't find a candidate that believes what you believe in, run for office," Phar challenged. "You can absolutely make a difference and be the change you want to see."
How to get involved:
● Apply: Loud Light offers both Fall and Spring fellowships (the Fall position currently pays $20/hour).
● Engage: Follow Loud Light on Instagram and visit their tables in the Union on April 21st.
● Act: Call your representatives if you have concerns about upcoming election legislation.
For more campus news and exclusive interviews, keep it tuned to Wildcat 91.9—where you belong!
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